Michel Thomas Speak Italian Advanced: 5-CD Advanced Program (Michel Thomas Speak...)

If you were like me, I always wondered "why" when I went through the pimsleur Italian series. Michel Thomas cds provide the answers. Yes, this is grammar, but it is indeed necessary. He concentrates on verb structure and provides excellent explainations. You won't get a lot of vocabulary, but you you can get that elsewhere. Well worth the time and $. Advanced students will indeed benefit. I've been studying Italian since 2002 and this improved my skills.

Thomas' approach is simple, always logical, always inviting the student to think about what he is saying, and to relate the new language he is learning to the one he already knows.

You begin speaking immediately. There are no vocabulary lists to memorize. You are not expected to master the Italian accent either--just speak the words clearly.

The course will only take you so far (reading Italian newspapers and having real conversations with native speakers are the next steps). Yet it is a solid beginning that gives you the experience that--yes--you too can speak a foreign language.

I had Mr Thomas's first tapes, I listened and learned so much that I could speak when in Italy. Then I wanted to go forward and bought these. He is so organized, there is time to think the drills through and answer without the idea that you have to beat the clock. It is basic grammar made easy to understand. The foundation to speaking.

I also bought the Living Italian advanced after having used the beginning book until it fell apart. This combined with Mr
Thomas makes me hopeful that I will be able to master this beautiful language. Now all I have to do is hope the dollar rises and the euro falls.
I would recommend these tapes.

Unlike other Italian programs, this one is not full of the same old stuff: vocabulary lists, phrases like "How much is customs?", and all the other filler you find everywhere.
Instead, the teacher concentrates on getting you to use and understand verb tenses, particularly the more complex ones. He has a very unique teaching method, and it seems to be the most effective I've come across.
When I first put in the cd, I thought I was going to return it. The guy sounds too old, his English is not THE most clear I've ever heard (compounded by his age, and probably dentures), but his teaching method rocks. I've been more impressed by this series than anything else I've listened to. I highly recommend it. Its the only thing "different" out there in the language genre.

The premise of the system is that you relax and allow Mr. Thomas to take the responsibility for your learning process. That being said, if you know enough vocabulary, the basic flow or cadence of the language, and understand the culture or at least a particular subject in Italian, this system will greatly enhance your ability to become, not only bilingual, but FLUENT.

The structure is very unique; the system is presented in a 2 member classroom setting with good Italian students, but not perfect enough to intimidate you. The system gives the impression that you are in the classroom as well, and there is enough time between thoughts to ensure that you have a good chance to get the correct answer since the students don't always get them right the first time. It is really quite wonderful for an attentive individual and VERY easy to use.

All you have to do is let Mr. Thomas take control and imagine that YOU are that student the teacher never selects to answer the questions, even though you probably have the correct answer.

I do recommend!